Through its Platform for Amplifying the Voice and Empowerment of Girls (PAVE) initiative, non-governmental organization Hacey Health Initiative has educated 134 young girls between the ages of 14 and 19 on job development, finance, mental health, sexual health, and rights.
According to a statement from the organization Hacey, girls participated in a five-day PAVE training program in the Lagos State local governments of Ikorodu and Ibeju-Lekki.
It is day three of the PAVE training program by HACEY Health Initiative with assistance from EmpowerUK, and so far, it’s been great, according to the program manager Chioma Osakwe.
The girls have received education on sexual and reproductive health, and within that, menstruation management. We have taught the girls how to respond to sexual violence or any form of violence. We explained the distinction between gender and sex and brought them up to speed on gender equity and equality of gender. We have had girls raise significant questions on an interactive platform, and our facilitators have responded credibly to their inquiries.
She stated: “Today, in particular, we discussed girls’ sexual and reproductive health as well as gender-based violence. We also educated them on STIs and STDs, letting them know what to be careful of, how they might be impacted, and how to avoid sex and other activities that can expose them to infections. They received education on HIV and STDs.
They were also taught that gender-based violence may take many different forms and that physical and emotional abuse are only two instances. They were instructed on how to file rape case reports. Many of the participants were honest with us, helping us to grasp some of the myths about rape cases and the legal system. The program was insightful, and its goal was to give these girls the tools they needed to help other girls.
Executive Director of HACEY Rhoda Robinson noted during the presentation, “Adolescence is a crucial stage that dramatically impacts the destiny of the female child. From girlhood to womanhood, from elementary to secondary schooling, from secondary to university education, and from education to job and family life are just a few of the transformations that come with it.
During this time, gender disparities also increase, which causes many girls to experience problems including gender-based abuse and violence. It is crucial that we place a high priority on investing in girls by developing and executing strategic programs that support their growth, health, and welfare.
The PAVE program is a component of the Safe Space initiative, which offers girls ages 13 to 19 the chance to learn about leadership, careers, sexual and reproductive health, and to freely express themselves in a private, judgment-free setting.
#Securitynews
#Africasecuritystories
#Dakoresecurity
#PublicIntel
#360securitynews
#Globalsecuritynews
#PublicIntelwithdakore
#SecurityStories
#First360GlobalSecurityIntelligence
